Scope of Position

The primary function of the Cook I position is to prepare high quality food for all the various outlets. The Cook I is responsible for timely and accurate preparation of made to order food and accurate preparation and plating of Banquet or Restaurant Food items based on company specifications and function contracts. The Cook I should have a complete knowledge of all Cook II and Cook III performance objectives as well as sound technical skills.

Position Requirements

• Professional demeanor appropriate for a luxury environment.
• Able to handle a multitude of tasks in an ever-changing environment.
• Food Safety certification will be required.
• Ability to maintain composure and objectivity under pressure.
• Effective at handling problems in the workplace, including anticipating, preventing, identifying, and solving problems as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Approach all interactions with guests and employees in a friendly, service-oriented manner.
• Always comply with the Hotels standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
• Follow Occupational Health & Safety regulations.
• Ensure equipment and kitchen cleanliness.
• Maintain refrigerators and kitchen in clean, organized manner with all food items labeled and dated to facilitate the necessary production to achieve company goals.
• Keep production of food at an adequate level, which does not result in excessive leftovers and waste.
• Knowledge and timely skills of various knife-cutting techniques, such as cutting, dicing, and slicing. Refined skill set in the knowledge and preparation of garnishes.
• Knowledge of pantry positions products i.e., Lettuce identification, Classical Salad presentation and preparations. i.e., Nicoise, Fruit Salad, Waldorf, Cobb, Chefs Salad, Potato Salad, and Coleslaw.
• Knowledge of meat identification and cookery. I.e., Various cuts of beef, pork, veal, lamb, poultry, and corresponding cooking techniques eg. Braising, grilling, roasting, pan frying, sautéing. Accurate knowledge of cooking temperatures to ensure a steak is cooked properly from rare to well done.
• Knowledge of fresh and saltwater fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and various mixed cooking techniques. Poaching, simmering, deep-frying, baking, broiling, sautéing, and pan-frying.

• Knowledge of vegetable preparation. i.e., various cutting techniques such as brunoise, paysanne, dice, allumette, battonet, mince, julienne, Parisian, noissette. A solid knowledge of proper cooking preparations, boiling, blanching, steaming, grilling, pan frying, baking, deep-frying.
• Knowledge and ability to prepare different methods of starch cookery. I.e., risotto, rice, potatoes (croquettes, berny, marcaire, pont- neuf, dauphinoise, dauphine, chateau, duchesse) polenta, pasta.
• Knowledge of identification, classification, and preparation of mother sauces i.e., hollandaise, béchamel, tomato, Espanola, and veloute.
• Knowledge and ability to identify and prepare secondary sauces such as Mornay, chasseur, choron, beurre blance, marchand de vin, curry and normande.
• Knowledge in identification and preparation of basic soups such as consommé, clear, cream, puree, bisques, and chowders as well as speciality and National soups using the various and proper thickening agents.
• Knowledge of food safety with critical control temperatures, danger zones, cross contamination, sanitization, food borne illness, toxins, and chemical poisoning.
• Ensure team leader is aware of any special products needed for upcoming functions.
• Must stay current and up to date with trends.
• Must supply their own basic tools of the trade i.e., Chefs knife, paring knife, peeler.
• Perform any other reasonable requests made by your manager or supervisor.

Education

• High School diploma and/ or experience in a luxury hotel or a related field preferred.
• Culinary certification or degree preferred and/or a minimum 3 to 4 years of culinary experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate in the English language (Second language is a plus).
• Knowledge of proper chemical handling, cleaning techniques and use of equipment/ machinery.
• Able to work flexible schedules including holidays and weekends.
• Able to perform multiple tasks.

Physical Requirements

• Physical agility and ability to move quickly in confined spaces.
• Requires standing/walking/reaching and bending throughout shift.
• Ability to push/pull/lift to 50lbs.
• Ability to multitask and give direction under pressure.
• Work in areas of high heat and humidity.